Thames Valley Police officers have joined an international organisation promoting the crime reduction methods they first pioneered.

Real Justice, a worldwide group that develops restorative justice campaigns, has formed a partnership with Thames Valley Police to deliver training courses for people worldwide.

A police spokesman said money earned from the courses would be shared between the police and Real Justice and reinvested to develop restorative practices. Restorative Justice was developed by Thames Valley Police to prevent criminals reoffending. Victims and offenders could come face to face while the victim would explain what effect the crime has had on them.

An increased use of restorative justice is planned in the forthcoming Criminal Justice Bill currently going through parliament.

Les Davey, a former Thames Valley Police officer and head of Real Justice's offices in the UK and Ireland, said: "Both Real Justice and Thames Valley Police have a wealth of experience in providing restorative justice training and it seems sensible to work in unison rather than against each other."

January 27, 2003 10:30